Ever since my trip to Puerto Rico in 2014, I have been in love with plantains. While there, I had tostones with a garlic vinaigrette that were fantastic. Someday I will share my recreation of that recipe too. This is only the second recipe I have shared on the blog using plantains. The first was my plantain black bean rice bowls with cilantro pesto. This time a transformed the plantain into veggie burgers. These Jamaican jerk plantain veggie burgers are loaded with flavor.
When creating this recipe, I knew I wanted to season it with something strong, to balance the natural sweetness of the plantain to make a savory burger. I chose Jamaican jerk seasoning because it is not only spicy, but loaded with all kinds of other flavors, like allspice, that compliment the sweetness as well. I decided to top the burger with guacamole to bring together lots of Caribbean flavors, and make a unique veggie burger that is totally awesome.
Variations to the Jamaican Jerk Plantain Veggie Burgers:
- Vegan – Omit the cheese and these will still be delicious! Increase the salt slightly to compensate.
- I keep a well stocked spice pantry so I mixed up my own seasoning for this burger. You can use a pre-made Jamaican jerk seasoning in place of the spices if you have it on hand. Taste test and season with salt accordingly.
- I made these burgers in a skillet, but you could make them in the oven as well. Try 350 for 30 minutes, flipping half way.
- You will need a food processor to make easy work of the hard green plantain (my potato masher wouldn’t do the trick!). This is the one I have and love.
Worth every penny.
Worth every penny.- 1 green plantain, peeled
- 1½ cups cooked pinto beans (or 1 can rinsed and drained)
- ½ cup pecan halves
- 15 cilantro stems
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp each: cayenne pepper, parsley, smoked paprika, allspice, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and cinnamon
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 TBS ketchup
- 1½ tsp reduced sodium tamari or soy sauce
- Splash olive oil
- Romaine lettuce
- 8 toasted burger buns or 16 bread slices
- 2 cups guacamole
- Cut plantain into 4 sections. Place in a food processor and process until finely chopped, but not mushy. Remove and place in a large bowl.
- Add pinto beans, pecans, cilantro, and garlic to the food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add them to the bowl with the plantains.
- Add rice, spices, cheese (optional), ketchup and tamari to the plantain mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a large heavy bottomed skillet.
- Shape plantain mixture into 3 inch wide patties. I had enough for 8 patties. Place as many as will fit into the skillet (3-4 in a 10 inch skillet). Cook until golden brown on each side, about 10-15 minutes. Cook in batches until all the patties are cooked.
- Place burgers on buns with romaine lettuce. Top with guacamole and serve.
Did you cook the plantain before put it on the processor or it eas raw?
Hi Martin! Thanks for your question. I did not cook the plantain before processing it, it cooks in the patty. The green plantain should be very firm and processing it raw will chop it into the size of a pea, which is perfect for veggie burgers! I’m afraid if you processed it after cooking it could become mushy.
Wow! These look amazing! I’ve never had jerk spices, but after having my second kid I suddenly love all things spicey! Also, crazily, I’ve never actually purchased a plantain. I’ve had them from restaurants, and really enjoyed them, but I have never actually bought one! No plantain has every seen the inside of my house, haha.
I had never had a plantain either, until my trip to Puerto Rico a few years ago. Now it’s a fun treat to find ways to use them. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
I’ve just returned from a trip to Jamaica and loved their jerk seasoning, this recipe is a great way of bringing those flavours home x
Jamaica sounds like fun! I hope you really enjoy the recipe!
What a fantastic burger! I’ve made plenty of curries with plantain but have never thought to make it into burgers – genius! This is now on my to-do list!
#CookBlogShare
Thanks Nico! I love plantain and was looking for a new way to use them, the burgers are really good! I hope you enjoy them!
I just pinned your awesome Veggie Burger and hoping to make it soon! Hope you are having a fantastic weekend and thanks so much for sharing your post with us at Full Plate Thursday!
Miz Helen
Thanks for the pin! I hope you love the recipe!
I love plantains and your recipes looks robust and delicious. I will be trying it out. Thanks so much for sharing!
I hope you love the recipe Zeba!
Our vegetarian and non-vegetarian friends would love this. And I love this, too! Such a lovely recipe to share at Fiesta Friday party! Have a lovely weekend!
Thank you Jhuls!
Your spice mix sounds lovely in these plantain burgers! Thank you for bringing your delicious recipe to #CookBlogShare:) Stumbled!
Thank you Monika!
What a delicious recipe idea! I love these flavors too.
Thanks Julie! This is the first time I’ve tried jerk seasoning, and I loved it!